Chapter 22: A Secret Conversation (Oliver’s Perspective)

On that night, Oliver calmly responded to a certain spirit that silently visited his room.

“――Is something wrong with her?”

“No. I just wanted to have a proper conversation with you.”

In the late night, when most people in the royal palace had fallen asleep, and only the breath of the guards could be heard, the contracted spirit of Leefe, Rene, arrived by teleportation magic, knocking on Oliver’s room window.

In the dimly lit room with the bedside light on, the moonlight streamed in through the window. Oliver put down the book he was holding and faced Rene.

“Come to think of it, I haven’t properly thanked you. I’m grateful for the letter you gave me. Thanks to that, I was able to reunite with her.”

“No need for thanks. I had been thinking about how to introduce you two. Welcoming Lady Leefe at the perfect timing, you truly are a prince.”

“Do you really think so?”

As Oliver smiled with only the corner of his mouth, Rene returned the smile with cold eyes.

“Of course. I am a contracted spirit who moves only for Lady Leefe’s sake. However, your contracted spirit seems to be up to something strange. Since our young lady is pure, may I request some re-education for your spirit so that it doesn’t say unnecessary things?”

“Did Lala say something?”

“Yes. Something about you having someone important.”

“… My apologies. So, how is Leefe taking it?”

“She didn’t seem particularly shocked, just as usual.”

“…”

Avoiding misunderstandings with Leefe is crucial, but it’s also disappointing if she doesn’t feel any shock. Oliver let out a deep sigh.

“I have informed Lala as well. But how much does she know? I’ll cast a spell to keep her away from Leefe for a while.”

“Well, humans are slow and complicated, I think. They do not have a long lifespan, and yet they’re afraid to die.”

“I appreciate Rene for respecting my thoughts and acting accordingly.”

The expression on Rene’s face, as seen by Oliver, seemed devoid of emotion.

Rene never wore such a worn-out expression when with Leefe. He always had the face of a “friendly and caring, yet incredibly powerful, high-level spirit.”

Though Rene remained the same in both situations, the difference lies in his feelings for his master.

So, the ‘Vincent’ from the past also harbored complex feelings toward Rene. It was a relief that his lover, Laurie, remained oblivious to everything.

“Well, we spirits can be quite troublesome. We wish for our masters’ happiness above all and move only for that purpose, but personal emotions may not necessarily be attached to it.”

“…Rene.”

“Ah, don’t worry. I just hope Lady Leefe can regain her memories in the best way possible and that you can continue where you left off in your past life. If the young lady is happy, I won’t be a hindrance.”

Saying that, Rene swung his leg over the windowsill and suddenly turned, displaying a friendly expression.

“I apologize for intruding at this late hour.”

With that, he fluttered the curtains and disappeared into the moonlight.